Mail brings pair their catch of the day

By IRENE CHAPPLE

When restaurant manager Nenad Rajic read the letter congratulating Seamart for winning an international tourism award, he could barely comprehend the news.

That was possibly because he did not understand some of the fine print.

Mr Nenad arrived in New Zealand six years ago from Yugoslavia and, although his spoken English is excellent, "some words in the letter," he says, "I didn't understand."

But he did get the general idea. One line had the vital information: "Seamart Restaurant [has been chosen] as a winner of the Trophy."

The details were then unveiled. The 27th International Awards for the Tourism, Hotel and Catering Industry honour the most outstanding establishments in those fields.

The awards are run by the non-profit, Spain-based TradeLeaders' Club, in conjunction with publishing house Editorial Ofice.

Club members from 120 countries nominate the winning restaurants, and the awards ceremony will be held in Madrid early next year.

Mr Rajic has managed the central Auckland restaurant for the past year and a half, and says the atmosphere has become more relaxed and welcoming. He knows all the locals and says visitors come after recommendations from tourism agencies.

The staff are multi-national. Eight different nationalities work in the casual bar and bistro and in the more upmarket restaurant.

Owner Vojo Krtolica, also Yugoslavian, says the secret of Seamart's success is "working, working, working!"

He has been in New Zealand 20 years and has owned Seamart for 13 years.

"I've never had a holiday, I work seven days a week, 18 hours a day."

He loves his trade. New Zealand has fabulous seafood, he booms. It gives Seamart a good name.

"And we," he chuckles, "have the best seafood in New Zealand."

How does he feel about the accolade?

"Oh yes, that's all right, that's good."

Surely it's great news? "Oh, yes it's great."

Then he asks, "When are you coming in for lunch? Come have a glass of wine, you must come and try our food."